The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word HIGHT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
H
I
G
H
T
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Formerly called" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case formerly called = hight.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does HIGHT mean?
HIGHT verb- To call, name.
- To be called or named.
- To command; to enjoin.
- Called, named.
- The distance from the base of something to the top.
- The vertical distance from the ground to the highest part of a standing person or animal (withers in the case of a horse).
- The highest point or maximum degree.
- A high point.
- An area of land at the top of a cliff.